Overview
The Etronix PowerPal Mini AC 6A 60W Balance Charger/Discharger represents an excellent choice for RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand a reliable, versatile charging solution for their RC models. Whether you're charging LiPo batteries for your RC car, NiMH packs for your RC truck, or lead-acid batteries for larger applications, this compact charger delivers professional-grade performance in a portable package. With an integrated AC power unit built directly into the charger, you'll never need to hunt for a separate power supply — simply plug the European connector into any standard UK wall socket and you're ready to charge.
Designed with both beginners and experienced RC pilots in mind, the PowerPal Mini features an intuitive touch-button menu system that makes selecting your battery type and adjusting charging parameters straightforward and hassle-free. The compact and lightweight design means you can easily transport this charger to the track, to a friend's house, or take it on holiday for your RC adventures. At just 302 grams and measuring 115 × 112 × 55 millimetres, it's genuinely portable without sacrificing the power and functionality you need for serious RC work.
The sophisticated Delta peak charge software built into this unit automatically detects battery chemistry and adjusts charging parameters accordingly, ensuring optimal charge rates for all popular battery types used in the RC hobby. This advanced intelligence means less guesswork for you and better battery longevity for your precious RC power packs. Whether you're running brushless RC cars, electric RC buggies, or any other battery-powered RC model, the PowerPal Mini adapts to your needs.
Key Features
- Integrated AC Power Unit — Unlike chargers that require a separate power supply, the PowerPal Mini includes its own built-in AC power unit with European plug connector, making it truly self-contained and ready to use anywhere in your home or at the track without additional equipment.
- Delta Peak Charge Software — This intelligent charging algorithm automatically detects when your battery has reached full capacity and switches to trickle charging mode, preventing overcharging damage and extending battery lifespan significantly compared to basic chargers.
- Compact and Lightweight Design — Weighing just 302 grams with dimensions of 115 × 112 × 55 millimetres, this charger is genuinely portable, making it ideal for RC club visits, competitions, or transporting between home and the track without taking up valuable space in your RC kit bag.
- Touch-Button Menu Interface — The simple and intuitive touch-button control system displays a clear menu on the built-in screen, allowing you to scroll through and adjust settings for cell type, charge rate, discharge mode, balancing, and storage functions with just a few button presses.
- Comprehensive Charging Modes — The PowerPal Mini supports standard charging, fast charging for when you're in a hurry, and storage charging mode which conditions your batteries to an optimal voltage for long-term storage, protecting them from degradation when not in use.
- Integrated Cell Balancing — With 300mAh per cell balancing current, this charger automatically balances the voltage across all cells in multi-cell LiPo packs, ensuring each cell charges to the same level and maximising battery health and performance.
- Discharging and Cycling Functions — Beyond charging, the PowerPal Mini can safely discharge batteries and run automatic charge-discharge cycles, useful for battery conditioning, storage preparation, and troubleshooting battery issues on your RC vehicles.
- Includes XT60 to Deans Cable — The charger comes supplied with a quality XT60 to Deans adapter cable, making it compatible with the two most common battery connector types found on RC models, eliminating the need to purchase additional connectors.
Technical Performance
The PowerPal Mini delivers impressive charging performance for a unit of its compact size and price point. With a maximum charge power output of 60 watts and adjustable charge current from 0.1 to 6 amps, this charger can handle everything from delicate small LiPo packs used in lightweight RC drones and small-scale RC buggies right up to larger capacity batteries found in full-size RC cars. The discharge function provides 10 watts of discharge power with adjustable discharge current from 0.1 to 2 amps, giving you flexibility for battery conditioning without needing a separate discharger. The engineering inside supports an impressive range of battery chemistries: NiMH and NiCd packs from 6 to 8 cells, LiPo, LiHV, and lithium-ion batteries from 2 to 4 cells, and lead-acid batteries from 6 to 12 volts. The cell balancing feature operates at 300mAh per cell, which is perfectly adequate for standard RC battery packs. This versatility means one charger can serve multiple RC models and battery types, making it an exceptional value investment for the serious RC enthusiast who runs various vehicles. The combination of a robust AC power supply integrated into the unit with precision electronic charging circuitry ensures reliable, safe charging every single time you plug in, with built-in safety protections against overcharging, short circuits, and thermal issues.
What's in the Box
- Etronix PowerPal Mini AC 6A 60W Balance Charger/Discharger unit with integrated AC power supply
- XT60 to Deans adapter charge cable
- European plug power connector (ET0204E model)
- Instruction manual
- Declaration of Conformity documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Etronix PowerPal Mini suitable for beginners to RC hobbies? — Absolutely. While the PowerPal Mini is feature-rich enough for experienced RC pilots, the intuitive touch-button menu system and automatic Delta peak charge software make it very beginner-friendly. You simply select your battery type from the menu, set your desired charge current, and the charger handles the rest intelligently. The safety features prevent common beginner mistakes like overcharging or accidentally selecting the wrong battery type.
- What battery types can the PowerPal Mini charge? — This charger is remarkably versatile. It supports NiMH and NiCd rechargeable batteries (6-8 cells), LiPo, LiHV, and lithium-ion batteries (2-4 cells), and lead-acid batteries (6-12 volts). This makes it compatible with batteries from RC cars, RC trucks, RC buggies, and many other RC models, so you won't need separate chargers for different vehicles.
- How long does it take to charge a typical LiPo battery? — Charge time depends on the battery capacity and charge current you select. With the maximum 6-amp charge current available, you can charge small to medium LiPo packs quite quickly. For example, a typical 2S or 3S LiPo pack used in RC cars might charge in 30-60 minutes depending on its capacity. The adjustable 0.1 to 6-amp range lets you choose slower charging for better battery longevity or faster charging when you're in a hurry.
- Does this charger include everything I need? — Yes, the PowerPal Mini comes with the charger unit itself, an AC power cable with European plug connector, and an XT60 to Deans adapter cable. Since it includes its own integrated power supply, you don't need any additional power supplies or adapters. You may want additional charge cables if you have multiple batteries with different connectors, but for basic use, you have everything needed.
- Can I use this charger for storage charging? — Yes, the PowerPal Mini includes a dedicated storage charging mode. This function charges your battery to the optimal voltage for long-term storage (typically around 3.8 volts per cell for LiPo batteries), which significantly extends battery lifespan when your RC models aren't in use. This is particularly valuable if you have RC vehicles that aren't used regularly during winter months or off-season.
- What makes Delta peak charge software better than standard charging? — Delta peak charging monitors the battery voltage during charging and detects the precise moment when the battery reaches full charge by sensing when the voltage stops rising (the delta). At this point, the charger automatically switches to a much slower trickle charge. This approach prevents overcharging, which degrades battery chemistry and can reduce lifespan. Standard chargers without this intelligence continue charging at the selected rate even after the battery is full, causing damage over time.
- Is the PowerPal Mini safe to leave unattended while charging? — The PowerPal Mini includes built-in safety protections including overcharge prevention, short-circuit protection, and thermal monitoring. However, as with any battery charger, it's best practice to supervise charging, especially when using LiPo batteries. Never charge batteries unattended overnight, and always use the charger in a safe location away from flammable materials.
- How does the cell balancing function work? — Multi-cell batteries like 3S or 4S LiPo packs can develop voltage imbalances where some cells charge to higher voltages than others. The PowerPal Mini's balancing function monitors individual cell voltages and adjusts charging to ensure all cells reach the same voltage level. This balancing charge operates at 300mAh per cell, which safely conditions your battery without overcharging individual cells.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the ETRONIX POWERPAL MINI AC 6A 60W BALANCE CHARGER/DISCHARGER (EUROPEAN PLUG) ET0204E today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Brand: Etronix
- Model Number: ET0204E
- Plug Type: European plug
- Power Supply: Integrated AC power unit
- Charge Power Output: 60W
- Discharge Power Output: 10W
- Charge Current Range: 0.1–6A (adjustable)
- Discharge Current Range: 0.1–2A (adjustable)
- Cell Balance Current: 300mAh per cell
- NiMH/NiCd Battery Compatibility: 6–8S
- LiPo/LiHV/LiIon Battery Compatibility: 2–4S
- Lead-Acid Battery Compatibility: 6–12V
- Charging Modes: Standard charge, Fast charge, Storage mode
- Discharging Function: Yes
- Cycling Function: Yes
- Balancing Function: Integrated cell balancing
- Software: Delta peak charge technology
- Display: Touch-button menu screen
- Control Interface: Intuitive touch-button menu system
- Dimensions: 115 × 112 × 55 mm
- Weight: 302g
- Included Cable: XT60 to Deans adapter charge cable
- Design Type: Compact lightweight design
- Regulatory Compliance: Declaration of Conformity ET0204E
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